This is our chance: Scott
GEELONG coach Chris Scott says history is irrelevant as the Cats gear up for an epic qualifying final against arch rivals Hawthorn.
The stage is set for a Friday night blockbuster to open the finals series in a fortnight after the Hawks scraped home by a point over Collingwood yesterday to secure a double chance.
Having disposed of Melbourne by 111 points on Saturday to guarantee a top-two finish, Scott was relishing the chance to add another chapter to football’s most enthralling rivalry.
“What is means for us is we’re giving ourselves a chance to fight our way back into that position against the dominant team of the last few years,” Scott said.
“So the rivalry, it will exist and it’s great for the supporters, but this is a very different team that’s trying to create its own history to an extent.
“Even the Hawthorn team is very different.
“They’ve lost some experienced players who probably could be helping them right now — (David) Hale and (Brian) Lake — but younger ones have come through and they’re still performing at a high level.
“I think it will be a big occasion and good for footy.”
While the Hawks were made to work for a top-four berth by the Magpies, Geelong produced a complete performance to smash Melbourne in Paul Roos’ final game as coach.
Tom Hawkins bagged six goals, while midfield maestros Joel Selwood (36 disposals) and Patrick Dangerfield (32) put on a clinic.
It was a timid performance from the Demons, who trailed by as much as 38 points at quarter time on the way to a triple-figure thrashing, and one that caught Scott by surprise.
“We played good footy. It’s hard to assess the motivation levels of the opposition given they didn’t have much to play for and we had a lot to play for — I’ll leave that assessment to you guys — but from our perspective we played the way we talked about playing,” Scott said.
“We really rate the way they attack, particularly from the back half, they play really fast.”
“It was only a few weeks ago they played Hawthorn and beat them at the MCG playing a really fast style of footy, so we were pleased with the way we were able to defeat them.
“And it always helps when you’re dominant around the ball early. We had some really hard bodies in there, players that we rate, and it was no mean feat to get on top of them early. Those were the things that set the game up for us.”
Scott was optimistic midfielder Scott Selwood would return from a “tight” hamstring, while key defender Lachie Henderson appears in serious doubt to play in a fortnight after knee surgery. Asked if he was unlikely to be fit for the Cats’ first finals hitout, Scott replied: “I wouldn’t say that. I wouldn’t say he is playing, either.
“I find it really difficult to be specific with these type of situations. Don’t read too much into what I’m saying because I don’t know. If I’m unintentionally giving you the impression that he won’t play, that’s incorrect.”